Beyond Meat Beyond Burger
Summary
What it is
Common uses
Public Perception
Anxiety level
Cultural claims
Source sentiment
History
Timeline
Origin
Science
Key findings
Studies
Safety status
Nuance
Alternatives
Swaps
Avoidance tips
References

Fact-checked by Lucent 3 months ago

Beyond Meat Beyond Burger

product

Total Sources: 51

Verified Claims: 40

Scientific Sources: 17

Also known as: Beyond Meat, Tyson Foods

Summary

The Beyond Burger is a plant-based meat alternative designed to mimic the taste and texture of a traditional beef burger [18]. It is manufactured by Beyond Meat, a company that aims to create sustainable and nutritious meat alternatives [18]. The burger is made from ingredients like pea protein, coconut oil, and beet juice, and it is sold in grocery stores and restaurants [18], [17].

What it is

The Beyond Burger is a plant-based patty designed to look, cook, and taste like a traditional beef burger [18], [20]. It is a meat analogue, meaning it is designed to imitate the sensory qualities of meat using plant-derived ingredients [3].

Common uses

  • As a substitute for beef burgers in sandwiches and meals [3]

  • In fast-food restaurants as part of vegetarian or flexitarian options [17]

  • As a source of protein for individuals seeking plant-based alternatives [3]

Public Perception

Anxiety level

Moderate. Concerns exist regarding the health impacts of processed ingredients and potential allergenicity [4], [33], [42], but there is also a perception that it is a better choice than traditional meat for some [16], [30].

Cultural claims

  • Plant-based meat alternatives are better for cardiovascular health [16]

  • Plant-based meat alternatives are a sustainable and ethical food choice [18], [21]

Source sentiment

Mixed. Some sources present plant-based meat alternatives, including the Beyond Burger, as a healthier and more sustainable option compared to traditional meat [16], [29], [30]. However, other sources point out potential downsides, such as high sodium content and the presence of processed ingredients, suggesting they are not necessarily healthier [6], [37], [38].

History

Timeline

2009

Beyond Meat was founded by Ethan Brown [18], [21].

2012

Beyond Meat launched its first product, Beyond Chicken Strips [19], [21].

2016

Beyond Meat launched the Beyond Burger [18].

2019

Beyond Meat introduced Beyond Meatballs [19].

2022

Beyond Meat released Beyond Jerky in partnership with PepsiCo [19].

Science

Key findings

  • Substituting plant-based meat alternatives for meat can lead to reductions in LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and body weight [5].

  • Plant-based meat alternatives may contain mycotoxins, with some samples showing concerning exposure levels [4].

  • Some studies suggest that plant-based meat alternatives may promote gut dysbiosis and oxidative stress in the intestine [12].

  • Plant-based meat alternatives generally have less protein, cholesterol, and vitamin B12 but more dietary fiber, carbohydrates, sugar, salt, and food additives compared to real meat [6].

  • Plant-based meat is lower in calories and saturated fat, free from cholesterol, and a good source of fiber compared to conventional meat [46].

  • Replacing conventional meat with plant-based alternatives can lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease [46], [47].

Studies

Plant-based meat alternatives and cardiometabolic health: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Substitution of plant-based meat alternatives for meat was associated with significant reductions in LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and body weight [5].

Multi-mycotoxin determination in plant-based meat alternatives and exposure assessment

Plant-based meat alternatives can be contaminated with multiple mycotoxins, potentially leading to concerning exposure levels [4].

Gastrointestinal fate of proteins from commercial plant-based meat analogs: Silent passage through the stomach, oxidative stress in intestine, and gut dysbiosis in Wistar rats

Plant-based meat alternatives may promote an intense luminal glycoxidative stress and an inflammatory intestinal response, as well as gut dysbiosis [12].

Comparison of nutritional profile between plant-based meat analogues and real meat: A review focusing on ingredients, nutrient contents, bioavailability, and health impacts

Plant-based meat alternatives are generally lower in protein, cholesterol, and VB12 but higher in dietary fiber, carbohydrates, sugar, salt, and various food additives than real meat [6].

Safety status

Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for its key ingredient, soy leghemoglobin, in ground beef analogue products [15], [17]. Health Canada has also approved soy leghemoglobin for use in simulated meat products [3], [10].

Nuance

While some studies suggest potential health benefits from substituting meat with plant-based alternatives, others highlight concerns about nutritional content and processing [5], [6]. The overall health impact depends on the specific product formulation and dietary context [6], [16].

Alternatives

Salmon burgers

Contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids [16].

Homemade veggie burgers

Allow control over ingredients and sodium content [16].

Other veggie burgers

Made from a range of healthy ingredients, including beans, vegetables, grains, and nuts [16].

Avoidance tips

  • Read nutrition labels carefully to check for sodium, saturated fat, and processed ingredients [6], [16].

  • Choose products with at least 5 grams of protein and fiber per serving [16].

  • Consider whole food plant-based options like beans, lentils, and tofu as primary protein sources [32].

  • Limit consumption of highly processed plant-based meat alternatives [33].

References

1.

https://efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/8822